U.S. patent number 6,021,535 [Application Number 08/422,046] was granted by the patent office on 2000-02-08 for computer workstations.
Invention is credited to David M. Baus, Kevin J. Gould, Gary T. Lobdell.
United States Patent |
6,021,535 |
Baus , et al. |
February 8, 2000 |
Computer workstations
Abstract
Systems which allow one to operate a computer device from an
ergonomically superior, recumbent position. Provision is made for
supporting the computer device and the body parts of the operator
at elevations and inclinations which make the computer device the
most comfortable and ergonomically superior to operate.
Inventors: |
Baus; David M. (Snohomish,
WA), Lobdell; Gary T. (Camano Island, WA), Gould; Kevin
J. (Mukilteo, WA) |
Family
ID: |
23673171 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/422,046 |
Filed: |
April 14, 1995 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/632; 297/217.3;
5/657; 5/648; 5/635; 297/377 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C
16/025 (20130101); A47C 16/005 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47C
9/02 (20060101); A47C 7/72 (20060101); A47C
9/00 (20060101); A47C 16/00 (20060101); A47C
020/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;5/630,632,633,634,635,652,657,503.1,507.1,624,648
;297/337,217.1,217.3 ;248/918,176.3,125.1 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Trettel; Michael F.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Apparatus enabling a computer device to be used by an operator
in a recumbent position, said apparatus comprising:
support means for said device, said support means having means for
adjusting the elevation of the device above, and the inclination of
the device relative to, a reference surface; and
body support means for the operator's legs, back, shoulders, arms,
and head, said body support means comprising means for adjusting
the elevation and/or inclination of a supported body part relative
to the reference surface;
the device support means and body support means for the operator's
legs being provided by a computer support device unit, and
the body support means for the operator's back, shoulders, arms,
and head being physically distinct and separate from and
displaceable relative to said computer device support unit.
2. Apparatus which enables a computer device to be used by an
operator in a recumbent position, said apparatus comprising a
support unit with:
framework means;
means for supporting said computer device, said device supporting
means including means displaceably mounted to said framework means
for adjusting the height of the device above and the inclination of
the device relative to a reference surface; and
means for supporting the legs of the operator, said leg supporting
means comprising means slidably supported by said framework means
at first and second ends of said leg supporting means for adjusting
the inclination of the operator's upper and lower legs relative to
the reference surface and the height of the operator's lower legs
above that surface.
3. Apparatus enabling a computer device to be used by an operator
in a recumbent position, said apparatus comprising:
support means for said device, said support means having means for
adjusting the elevation of the device above, and the inclination of
the device relative to, a reference surface; and
body support means for the operator's legs, back, shoulders, arms,
and head, said body support means comprising means for adjusting
the elevation and/or inclination of a supported body part relative
to the reference surface, said body support means comprising a leg
and computer support device unit having support means for the
user's legs and framework means for suspending said leg support
means above a surface on which the apparatus is rested, said
framework means being so configured that a user can swing each of
his legs to a side beyond and then up onto said leg support
means.
4. Apparatus enabling a computer device to be used by an operator
in a recumbent position, said apparatus comprising:
support means for said device, said support means having means for
adjusting the elevation of the device above, and the inclination of
the device relative to, a reference surface; and
body support means for the operator's legs, back, shoulders, arms,
and head, said body support means comprising means for adjusting
the elevation and/or inclination of a supported body part relative
to the reference surface, said body support means comprising a leg
and computer support device unit having support means for the
user's legs and framework means for suspending said leg support
means above a surface on which the apparatus is rested, said
framework means comprising a single longitudinally oriented
component and said leg support means having a leg rest to either
side of said longitudinally oriented component.
5. Apparatus enabling a computer device to be used by an operator
in a recumbent position, said apparatus comprising:
support means for said device, said support means having means for
adjusting the elevation of the device above, and the inclination of
the device relative to, a reference surface; and
body support means for the operator's legs, back, shoulders, arms,
and head, said body support means comprising means for adjusting
the elevation and/or inclination of a supported body part relative
to the reference surface, said body support means comprising a leg
and computer support device unit having:
support means for the user's legs;
framework means for suspending said leg support means above a
surface on which the apparatus is rested; and
means for so mounting said leg support means to said framework that
the elevation of the leg support means above said surface and the
inclination of the leg support means relative to that surface can
be adjusted by a user of the apparatus.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to computer workstations and, more
particularly, to novel, improved computer workstations which allow
an operator to operate a computer from a personalized, recumbent
position, thereby avoiding the multiple physical problems
attributable to the prolonged use of a computer in a sitting
position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention and subsequent dominance of the computer as the
approach of choice for accumulating and manipulating data has
ushered in the revolutionary age of information. This technological
advance has transformed the traditional workplace and, with it, the
way in which people perform their daily work. At the same time,
this revolution has brought about a number of office related
injuries which differ significantly from those seen in past
years.
In the past, the office employee performed a great variety of
physical and mental activities allowing him/her the opportunity to
change positions and postures and leave a desk many times during
the course of the workday. The wide range of tasks required by a
worker greatly reduced or precluded the adverse effects of
prolonged sitting.
Today, with office environments dominated by the computer, the
adverse effects of constrained sitting postures on the worker
operating a visual display terminal (V.D.T.) have become
increasingly clear. Today's V.D.T. operator may spend eight hours
in one posture doing two tasks using only four muscles. The
operator's movements are restricted, attention is concentrated on
the screen, and the hands are linked to the keyboard. The highly
repetitive nature of the tasks, coupled with the prolonged postures
required of the V.D.T. operator, can lead to progressive
musculoskeletal damage involving the spine and extremities. Reports
of physical discomfort localized in the neck-shoulder-arm area are
common. This is not surprising when one considers the energy
involved in maintaining an upright work posture all day. The
muscles at the neck and shoulders sustain a constant holding
contraction which can compress blood vessels and nerves passing
through the neck on their way to the arm. Restricted circulation
and nerve irritability can also lead to pain in the neck and/or
upper extremities.
One observing V.D.T. operators in the workplace is struck by the
sitting posture the operators often assume. Most lean back and
stretch out their legs. An extensive study by Grandjean et al.
looked at preferred settings of adjustable V.D.T. workstations
("V.D.T. Workstation Design: Preferred Settings and their Effects",
Human Factors 25, 161-175 (1983)). The results of this field study
showed that the majority of the subjects preferred trunk
inclinations of between 100 degrees and 110 degrees, and the
subjects preferred to rest their forearms or wrists when proper arm
support was available. The relaxed, reclining posture of the V.D.T.
operator commonly observed does not correspond to the recommended
upright trunk posture on which today's ergonomic chairs and
workstations are based.
The multiple physical problems attributable to prolonged static
loading (sitting postures) and repetitive motion are well
documented and supported by the medical community. They are
commonly referred to as: Cumulative Trauma Disorder (C.T.D.),
Overuse Syndrome, and Repetitive Motion Injury. These acute and
chronic impairments include:
1. Inflammation of tendon sheaths (tendinitis or peritendinitis;
e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome);
2. Inflammation of the attachment points of tendons (lateral
epicondylitis, e.g., tennis elbow);
3. Inflammation of the joints (arthritis);
4. Chronic degeneration of the joints (chronic arthrosis);
5. Painful induration of muscles;
6. Intervertebral disc troubles.
The enormity of the problem can be appreciated by addressing just
one of the above listed disorders. It is estimated that 80 to 90
percent of the general population will experience back problems and
resulting pain sometime in their lifetime. Next to the common cold
and flu, a back injury is the reason most often cited for work
absenteeism. Low back pain results in 27 million lost work days
annually, and in excess of 25 billion dollars is spent annually in
treating back injuries.
Cumulatively, the statistics for all C.T.D. claims are equally
staggering. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and
Health (N.I.O.S.H.) estimates that over 5 million people suffered
cumulative trauma disorders in 1986, accounting for over 30% of the
total worker compensation claims. In 1984, the American Academy of
Orthopedic Surgeons reported C.T.D.-related medical costs and lost
earnings totalled over $27 million.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Now invented and disclosed herein are new and novel computer
workstations which eliminate the physical problems attributable to
prolonged sitting at a computer terminal. These novel workstations
allow a person to operate a desktop or laptop computer from a
recumbent or supine position with the head, neck, and back of the
operator supported by a wedge-type backrest with an adjustable
inclination. The resting of the back against an inclined backrest
transfers a significant portion of the trunk weight to the backrest
and reduces the strain on the discs and muscles. Support of the
head and neck in a recumbent position eliminates postural loading
and static muscular efforts of the head, neck and shoulder
complex.
The hips and knees of the operator are allowed to be positioned in
varying degrees of flexion or extension by a supportive sling or
pad. This contributes to a fully supported recumbent position,
further minimizing or eliminating the static effects of
gravitational loading on articular cartilage and the postural
loading of the head, shoulder, neck complex, thus potentially
reducing long-term osteoarthritic changes in spinal and extremity
joints. Upper extremity support also decreases postural muscle work
of the shoulder and repetitive muscular strain of the forearms and
hands.
Applicants' novel workstations implement in unique fashion the
findings of Nachemson and Morris (In Vivo Measurement Of
Intradiscal Pressure. J. Bone Joint Surgery, 46A, 1964, pp.
1077-1092) of the intradiscal pressures generated in the course of
various maneuvers and occupational activities. The results of this
study clearly demonstrate that intradiscal pressures and therefore
the potential for spinal injuries, is significantly reduced by
assuming a supported, recumbent position. In addition, the
supporting of the forearms and hands supported at the level of the
heart facilitates the hydrostatic relationship between the heart
and hands, providing optimum upper extremity circulation.
Quite aside from the foregoing, our novel computer workstations
minimize, if not entirely eliminate, human error by gravity causing
one to assume a comfortable, ergonomically correct posture. This is
in direct contrast to the popular "ergonomic chairs" on the market
today where the operator tries to sit in an upright posture with
gravity working to oppose this position (thus the tendency to
"slouch" into poor posture despite the support of the chair).
Furthermore, the position promoted by the novel workstation
disclosed herein simulates the rest position recommended by doctors
for an individual recovering from a back injury. Therefore, the
potential for earlier, safe return to work following a serious back
injury and/or back surgery is enhanced. The resultant outcome is:
decreased worker time loss, decreased pain and suffering of the
returning worker, and overall decreased health care costs.
From a mechanical standpoint, the advantages of the present
invention include:
1. availability at a relatively low cost;
2. total adjustability for body size, shape, and needs and for
laptop and/or full-size computers;
3. low-weight and portability;
4. safety (a heavy computer monitor or hardware is never suspended
above the operator).
Thus, the present invention provides an alternative to the sitting
position which is superior and is based on sound biomechanical
principles and research. Workstations employing its principles
provide greater tolerance in today's progressively specialized and
automated workplace and offer advantages in such important areas as
cost, adjustability, safety, and portability.
The objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be
apparent to the reader from the foregoing and the appended claims
and as the ensuing detailed description and discussion proceed in
conjunction with the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a generally pictorial view of a computer workstation
constructed in accord with and embodying the principles of the
present invention;
FIG. 2 is a pictorial view, to a larger scale, of a collapsible
unit provided in the workstation of FIG. 1 to support a computer
and the lower body of a computer operator;
FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of an adjustable wedge system employed
in the workstation of FIG. 1 to support the upper body of the
computer operator;
FIG. 4 is a side view of the workstation showing how the computer
and the body of the computer operator are supported;
FIG. 5 is a pictorial view of a second system, which can be
employed to support an operator's upper body in a workstation
embodying the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view of the FIG. 1 collapsible unit with an
alternate computer-supporting arrangement;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another computer support
embodying the principles of the present invention; this figure also
depicts a pad which can be employed to spot and/or anchor
components of the support in locations optimal for a particular
user;
FIG. 8 is a side view of the FIG. 7 computer support and pad;
and
FIG. 9 is a plan view of the pad.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawing, FIG. 1 depicts, a computer work
station 20 constructed in accord with, and embodying, the
principles of the present invention. The major components of the
workstation are a collapsible system 22 for: (a) supporting the
legs of a computer operator in an ergonomically correct,
comfortable position; and (b) supporting a computer input device
such as a keyboard or digitizer tablet or a portable, laptop,
notebook, or other small computer such as the one identified by
reference character 23 in FIG. 1 (The term "computer device" is
employed generically herein to encompass both computers and
computer input devices). Workstation 20 also includes an upper body
support system 24 for supporting the back, neck, head, shoulders,
and arms of a computer operator 25 (see FIG. 4) in positions which
are also comfortable and ergonomically correct.
The major components of collapsible support unit 22 are a fold-up
framework 26 and what will hereinafter be termed a "computer"
support 28, it being understood that the latter can be employed to
support either a computer per se or a computer input device: i.e.,
to support a computer device.
Collapsible, leg-supporting framework 26 is composed of two
elongated tracks 30 and 32, U-shaped supports 34 and 36, braces 38
and 40, and horizontally oriented support members 42 and 44, all
fabricated of aluminum, thin-wall steel tubing, or a comparable
metallic or polymeric material.
Tracks 30 and 32 rest on a floor or other supporting surface
identified by reference character 45 (see FIG. 4). The U-shaped
component 34 of system 22 has vertically oriented, parallel legs
34a and 34b spanned by a integral, horizontally oriented leg 34c;
and the companion U-shaped component 36 has similarly oriented and
related legs identified by reference characters 36a, 36b, and
36c.
Assembled to the lower, free end of each vertically oriented
support component leg 34a, 34b, 36a, and 36b by a fitting 46 and a
pivot pin 48 (see FIG. 2) is a slide 50, typically fabricated of a
polymeric material with a low coefficient of friction. The slides
50 at the lower ends of U-shaped component legs 34a and 36a are
trapped in and slidable along the channel 52 of rail or track 30,
and the slides 50 at the lower ends of the support component legs
34b and 36c are similarly trapped in and slidable along a channel
54 in rail 32. This allows the U-shaped support components 34 and
36 to be displaced longitudinally along rails 30 and 32 as
indicated by double-headed arrows 56 and 58 in FIGS. 2 and 4.
Fasteners 60 threaded through slides 50 and engageable with tracks
30 and 32 lock U-shaped support components 34 and 36 to those
tracks in the wanted positions therealong.
Computer support 28 includes a generally rectangular computer
device support component 62. An elongated, transversely extending
ledge or computer device rest 64 is fixed to the lower edge of
support component 62. The computer device - - - i.e., a computer
input device such as the keyboard 23 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 4 or a
computer such as the one of the laptop type illustrated in FIG. 6
and identified by reference character 66 sits on rest 64 and butts
against rectangular support component 62. Adhesive, Velcro, or
other retainers 67 and 68 can be provided to hold the supported
computer device against support component 62.
Also, as shown in FIG. 6, a latch 70 can be provided to hold the
monitor-incorporating cover 72 of the illustrated laptop computer
66 in the illustrated and operative position. Latch 70 includes a
longitudinally extending, elongated arm 74 with an integral,
cover-engaging catch 76 at one end. The opposite end of arm 74 is
fixed to a sleeve 78 which surrounds the transversely extending,
horizontal arm 36c of U-shaped support component 36. This allows
latch 70 to be rotated about support leg 36c into engagement with
computer cover 72 and into an out-of-the way storage position as
indicated by double-headed arrow 79 in FIG. 6.
Computer device support 62 is slidably mounted to the vertically
extending legs 36a and 36b of U-shaped component 36 for movement
up-and-down as shown by arrow 80 in FIG. 4 to an elevation making
the computer device comfortable to use by horseshoe-shaped clamps
81 located at the opposite, vertical edges 82 and 84 of computer
device support component 62 and toward the lower and upper edges 86
and 88 of that component. Clamps 81 slidably surround support legs
36a and 36b of U-shaped component 36.
Component 36 consequentially positions computer device support 28
in an upright orientation and at an elevation appropriate to the
input device or computer fixed to support 28 and the size,
position, and other attributes of computer operator 25. The
selected elevation is maintained by tightening clamp-associated
screws 89. Each screw 89 extends through one leg 90 of the
associated clamp 81 and is threaded into the complementary leg 92
to draw the legs together and thereby frictionally lock the clamp
and computer device support leg together.
The computer or computer input device is held at the appropriate
vertical angle .theta. by braces 38 and 40. The upper ends 93 of
those braces are mounted to the vertically extending legs 36a and
36b of U-shaped support component 36 by clamps 81 of the character
described above and locked at an appropriate elevation by the
illustrated, associated threaded fasteners 89. Pivotably fixed to
the lower ends 94 of braces 38 and 40 by male fittings 95 are
track-mounted slides 50. Those slides are of the character
described above in conjunction with reference character 50, and
they are connected to the braces by fittings 46 and pivot members
48.
With the upper ends 93 of braces 38 and 40 at an appropriate
elevation, U-shaped support component 36 and computer device
support 28 can be fixed at the wanted, appropriate angle .theta. by
displacing slides 50 along tracks 30 and 32 as shown by arrow 59 in
FIG. 4 and then locking the slides at the appropriate locations by
tightening the slide-associated fasteners 60.
It will be remembered that unit 22 under discussion is also
employed to support the legs 96 of the computer operator 25 in an
ergonomically correct, comfortable inclination and at an elevation
of that same superior character (see FIG. 4). The leg-supporting
components of unit 22 include the above, briefly mentioned,
longitudinally extending, support components 42 and 44 and a
hammock or sling 98 which extends between and is supported by
components 42 and 44.
Elongated, horizontally oriented, spaced apart, support members 42
and 44 of unit 22 extend through marginal tubular sleeves 100 and
102 at the opposite sides of hammock 98. This allows the hammock to
sag slightly toward the longitudinal centerline 104 of the hammock
as indicated by reference character d in FIG. 2. The result is
that, with the buttocks 105 of operator 25 resting on surface 45
(see FIG. 4), the legs 96 of computer operator 25 are cradled and
held together in a comfortable, ergonomically correct position
against the pull of gravity, which would tend to spread the
operator's legs apart as would be the case if they were rested on a
rigid or semirigid flat surface, for example.
At their aft and forward ends 106 and 108, longitudinally
extending, horizontal support members 42 and 44 are pivotably fixed
to the vertically extending legs 34a and 34b of U-shaped support 34
and to angularly inclined braces 38 and 40 by clamps 81 as
described above and identified by the same reference character.
By sliding the clamps 81 at the forward and aft ends of support
unit 22 up and down on inclined braces 38 and 40 and up and down
the vertically extending legs 34a and 34b of U-shaped support 34 as
indicated by arrows 110 and 112 in FIG. 2, sling or hammock 98 can
be located at an elevation and in an inclination in which it
supports the legs 96 of operator 25 in a comfortable, ergonomically
superior position. Clamps 81 are clamped to braces 38 and 40 and to
support legs 36a and 36b by tightening the thumbscrews 114 threaded
through those components into engagement with the associated braces
and support legs.
Unit 22 is collapsed for transport and storage by: (1) loosening
fasteners 60 and 114; and (2) then folding U-shaped support
components toward each other and toward rails 30 and 32, typically
after the components 126 . . . 146 of upper body support system 24
have been stowed beneath sling 98.
Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, the system 24 utilized in association
with unit 22 to support the back 116, shoulders 118, neck 120, head
122, and arms 124 of computer operator 25 includes a set of four
wedges 126, 128, 130, and 132 and a headrest 134, all fabricated
from a resilient material which is typically a polymeric foam
covered with a non-slip fabric. Wedges 126 . . . 146 fit within
collapsed support system 22, making workstation 20 easy to handle
and transport.
In operation, wedge 126 is placed on the same supporting surface
136 as support unit 22, with its pointed end facing the support the
unit. Head-, back-, and shoulder-supporting wedge 128 is similarly
oriented and is seated on wedge 126.
Back-supporting wedge 126 is moved toward and away from support
unit 22 as indicated by double-headed arrow 140 in FIG. 4 to a
position in which it supports the lower back 116 of computer
operator 25 in a comfortable, ergonomically correct position. Wedge
128 is shifted in an arrow 140 direction relative to wedge 126 to
support the upper back and shoulders 118 of computer operator 25 in
a similarly comfortable and ergonomically superior position.
Head and neck support (or headrest) 134 has a convex segment 142
which supports the neck 120 of computer operator 25 and an
adjacent, concave segment 144 in which the head 122 of the computer
operator rests. This element of system 24 is seated on the upper
surface 146 of upper back-, head-, neck-, and shoulder-supporting
wedge 128 and is shifted, also in an arrow 140 direction, to the
position found most comfortable by computer operator 25. It is
retained in the selected location as shown by the illustrated
Velcro fasteners 148 (see FIG. 3).
Arm-supporting wedges 130 and 132 are positioned on supporting
surface 136 on opposite sides of torso-supporting wedge 126 with
the pointed ends of the arm-supporting wedges facing away from
support unit 22 of workstation 20. The wedges are also shifted in
an arrow 140 direction, in this case to locations in which the arms
124 of computer operator 25 are supported with the operator's hands
150 positioned for comfortable operation of computer device 23.
As was mentioned above, workstation 20 makes a computer safe to
operate because no heavy components are positioned above the body
of operator 25 and because the only device so positioned - - - an
input device or a laptop or smaller computer - - - is so light as
to not injure the operator, even in the unlikely event that it is
jarred loose or otherwise separated from computer device support
28. If it is a heavier computer that is being employed, only the
input device is affixed to support 28 with the remaining heavier
components - - - central processing unit 152 and monitor 154 - - -
being positioned adjacent workstation 20 on an appropriate
supporting device such as the illustrated table 156.
Referring still to the drawings, FIG. 5 depicts an alternate upper
body support unit 160 for supporting the back, shoulders, head,
neck, and arms of a computer operator in a supine or recumbent
position. This system includes a torso-, neck-, and head-supporting
unit 162 and wedge-type arm supports 130 and 132 as described
above.
Support unit 162 includes a torso-supporting component 164 and a
shoulder-, neck-, and head-supporting component 166, both of which
are rectangular, relatively thin members - - - typically fabric
covered foam pads. Body-supporting components 164 and 166 are fixed
together for movement toward and away from each other as indicated
by double-headed arrow 168 by a transversely extending pivot member
170. Component 170 also pivotably connects a U-shaped brace 172 to
the assembly of support components 162 and 164. Component 170 has a
transverse leg 174 adapted to rest on supporting surface 136 and
vertically extending legs 176 and 178 at the opposite sides of the
body-supporting system 160 components 164 and 166.
Torso-supporting component 164 of unit 160 is supported at an
appropriate angle to surface 136 and at a comfortable,
ergonomically appropriate angle to component 162 by adjustable,
elongated brackets 180 and 182. Those brackets are each composed of
two telescoped elements 184 and 186 which can be fixed relative to
each other by cooperating external and internal threads, or by pins
or a comparable arrangement (not shown). Brackets 180 and 182 also
include rodlike elements 188 and 190 extending in opposite
longitudinal directions from the two telescoping bracket elements
184 and 186. The rods 190 of the two brackets are pivotably fixed
in any convenient fashion to a sleeve 192 rotatably mounted on the
transversely extending, supporting surface-engaging leg 174 of
brace 172. The rods 188 of brackets 180 and 182 are pivotably fixed
in like manner to attachments 194 and 196 mounted in any convenient
fashion to the bottoms of torso and upper body-supporting
components 164 and 166, respectively.
An integral, convex segment 198 is provided at the foot end of
torso-supporting component 164, and a similarly configured support
element 200 is positioned on the upper surface 202 of component
164. Integral segment 198 and component 200 provide ergonomically
correct support for the lower and middle back of operator 25. Back
support 200 can be positioned longitudinally along torso-supporting
component 164 of system 160 as indicated by double-headed arrow
204, and it is fixed in the position to which it is adjusted as by
the illustrated Velcro fasteners 206 and 208.
A convex, transversely extending neck support 210 is similarly
attachable to the upper surface 212 of upper body support 166 by
longitudinal extending Velcro fasteners 214 and 216. This allows
neck support 210 to be displaced along component 166 in an arrow
218 direction to the location deemed most comfortable by the
computer operator.
Referring still to the drawings, FIGS. 7 and 8 disclose yet another
workstation 230 equipped with a computer and operator support
system 232 which embodies the principles of the present invention
and allows one to operate a computer in a recumbent position, thus
reducing intradiscular pressures and lowering the risk of back
injury. Additionally shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 - - - and also in FIG.
9 - - - is a novel nonskid floor pad 234 which can be employed to
spot and anchor the components of computer support system 232 at
locations providing optimal comfort and support for computer user
25.
Support system 232 includes a support unit 236 for the legs 96 of
operator 25 and the computer device 23 - - - in this case, a
conventional keyboard - - - , a torso support 164 of the character
illustrated in FIG. 5, and arm supporting wedges 130 and 132 as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-5.
Support unit 236 has the advantage over above-described support
unit 22 that it is easier for operator 25 to use. This novel unit
includes a transversely oriented, U-shaped support component 238; a
longitudinally extending support component 240 with a transversely
extending, pad- or floor-engaging member at its lower end, a
support device 244 for the legs 96 of user 25, units 246 and 248
for suspending the support unit 244 from component 240, and a
computer device support unit 250.
U-shaped component 238 has vertically extending legs 238a and 238b
at opposite ends of a transversely oriented, upper, horizontally
extending leg 238c. A fitting 252 extends upwardly from horizontal
leg 238c at a locus equidistantly spaced from vertical legs 238a
and 238b.
Support component 238 may be fabricated from the same types of
hollow tubing as the components of the collapsible support unit 22
show in FIGS. 1 and 2 and discussed above.
The longitudinally extending component 240 of support system 232
can be fabricated from the same type of hollow tubing. That
component includes a member 254 which extends vertically and is
inclined at a slight angle toward support component 238 and a
second, longitudinally extending, generally horizontal tubular
member 256 with downwardly facing, integral segments 258 and 260 at
opposite ends of the component's horizontal main segment 262. These
end segments respectively fit over the upper end 264 of the
just-described, vertically oriented member 254 and over the fitting
252 protruding from the horizontal leg 238c of U-shaped support
238, coupling support system framework components 238, 254, and 256
together. By virtue of this arrangement, support unit 236 can be
disassembled for transportation and storage simply by removing
component 256 from fitting 252 and component 254 and arranging the
dissembled components of support unit 236 in a more compact
arrangement.
Transverse support component 242 is fixed via an integral,
upstanding fitting 243 to the lower end 266 of tubular member 254.
Component 242 keeps component 240 and the leg support 244 suspended
therefrom from tilting side-to-side.
The support unit 244 for the legs 96 of user 25 includes a
leg-supporting component 268 mounted on longitudinally spaced,
transversely oriented braces or supports 270 and 272. Support or
pad 268 can be fabricated from the same, comfort-affording,
resilient material as arm supports 130 and 132. It has juxtaposed,
longitudinally extending concavities 274 and 276 which face
upwardly and give lateral support to the legs 96 of user 25.
The unit 246 employed in conjunction with unit 248 to suspend
support 244 from system component 240 includes a fitting 280
slidably mounted on support member 256 as indicated by
double-headed arrow 282 in FIG. 8, a thumbscrew 284 which can be
tightened to immobilize fitting 280 at a selected location along
member 256, a vertically oriented, elongated member 286 pivotably
fixed at its upper end 288 to fitting 280 by a pin 288, a support
fitting 292 which can slide up and down on elongated member 286 as
indicated by double-headed arrow 293 in FIG. 8, and a thumbscrew
294 for clamping support fitting 292 to elongated member 286 at a
selected vertical location therealong.
The complementary unit 248 for suspending leg support 244 includes
a fitting 296 vertically slidable on support member 254 as
indicated by double-headed arrow 298 in FIG. 8. Support fitting 296
can be locked at a selected elevation by tightening thumbscrew
300.
An elongated, longitudinally extending support component 302 is
pivotably fixed at its forward end 304 to fitting 296 as by pivot
pin 306. Component 302 extends toward the U-shaped component 238 of
support unit 232 through the support members 270 and 272 for leg
support 244 with its rear end 308 fitting into the above-discussed,
vertically displaceable, fitting 292 slidably mounted on vertically
extending support element 286.
By adjusting the just-discussed fittings 292 and 296 of support
unit 232 vertically and fitting 280 longitudinally along member
256, the support 244 for the user's legs 96 can be immobilized at
an elevation and angle providing optimal support and comfort for
user 25. These displaceable support components or fittings also
allow the assembly consisting of longitudinal, tubular support
member 240 and the several system components mounted to or
suspended from that element to be collapsed into a compact
configuration for transportation and storage.
Referring still to FIGS. 7 and 8, collapsible support unit 236 also
differs from its FIG. 1 counterpart in that the computer device
support component 28 of unit 236 can be both: (1) moved vertically
to the optimal location for a particular user 25 as indicated by
double-headed arrow 310 in FIG. 8 and as discussed above in
conjunction with the FIG. 1 embodiment of the invention, and (2)
rotated vertically as indicated by double-headed arrows 312 and 314
in the same figure.
These several degrees of motion are provided by the illustrated
arrangement of vertically displaceable support fittings 316 and 318
and transversely extending, tubular support component 320.
The two, vertically displaceable fittings 316 and 318 may be
identical. Each includes a tubular element 324 slidable up-and-down
on an associated leg 238a or 238b of U-shaped support member 238 in
an integral, inwardly facing socket 326. The ends of crosspiece 320
are rotatably fitted into sockets 326, and computer device support
28 is mounted in any convenient manner to the crosspiece.
Thumbscrews 328 are employed to immobilize the computer device
component 28 at a user-selected elevation, and complementary
thumbscrews 340 are employed to lock the support and therefore
computer device at the angle found most comfortable by user 25.
As indicated above, computer- and leg-supporting unit 232 may be
considered by many to be more user friendly than the comparable
unit 22 identified in FIG. 1. This is in part because the centrally
located support arrangement for leg support 244 allows the user to
move his legs 96 to the side and lift them onto support pad 268 one
at a time with ease whereas the vertical legs 34a and 34b of the
system 22 support component 34 virtually demands that both legs 96
be lifted simultaneously onto the hammock 98 of system 22.
The pivotable support arrangement discussed above for computer
device support 28 also facilitates the lifting of the user's legs
96 onto support pad 268 as it can be tilted to a horizontal
position to facilitate the movement of the user's legs.
Support system 232 also differs from its FIG. 1 counterpart by the
addition of a pad 342 with a concave, leg-accommodating cutout 343
at its lower edge 344 to computer support device 28. Should user 25
inadvertently bump support 28, his legs 96 will engage the
relatively soft and resilient pad 340 rather than the hard and
rigid component 28.
Referring still to FIGS. 7 and 8 but most particularly to FIG. 9,
the floor pad 234 alluded to briefly above is optionally employed
to immobilize the units and components 232, 164, 130, and 132 of
computer support system 232 at the relative locations found
optimally comfortable by a particular user 25. Pad 234 can be
fabricated of any skid- and wear-resistant material. Holes 346 are
punched through pad 234 and grommets 348 are installed in these
holes. As shown in FIG. 8, the bumpers 238d and 238e at the bottom
ends of the transversely spaced, vertical legs 238a and 238b of
U-shaped support system component 238 are fitted into grommetted
apertures 346 to position support unit 236 on pad 234. Arm supports
130 and 132 are held in place at selected locations on pad 234 by
Velcro fasteners having components 350 and 352 fixed in any
convenient manner to the upper surface 354 of pad 234 and
complementary components (not shown) on the bottoms of the arm
supports. Locator marks 356 arranged in four sets 358 . . . 364 of
three enable the user to accurately position arm supports 130 and
132 at the wanted longitudinal and spanwise locations on pad 234.
To this end, the locator marks 356 in sets 358 and 364 are spaced
longitudinally along the pad whereas those locator marks 358 in
sets 360 and 362 are spaced transversely.
The invention may be embodied in many forms without departing from
the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. The
present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects
as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention
being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing
description; and all changes which come within the meaning and
range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be
embraced therein.
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